Tammy Duckworth on Homeland Security

2004: Lost both legs as helicopter pilot in Iraq

On a visit to Walter Reed Hospital, where many Iraq War Veterans were being treated for serious injuries during the fall of 2003,
I will never forget how positive and upbeat these young men and women were, even though, they had received severe injuries. One of the more remarkable women there was
Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois National Guard helicopter pilot who lost both legs and full use of her right arm in 2004 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the Black Hawk she was flying over the Tigris River.
She was determined to get back into the pilot's seat and fly again. Instead, she ended up running for Congress in the western suburbs of Chicago--I am proud to say as a Democrat.

Endorsed by VoteVets.org; against wasteful defense spending.

Duckworth is endorsed by VoteVets.org Endrosement

About VoteVets.org:Founded in 2006, and backed by over 220,000 supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns and direct outreach to lawmakers to ensure that troops abroad have what they need to complete their missions, and receive the care they deserve when they get home. VoteVets.org also recognizes veterans as a vital part of the fabric of our country and will work to protect veterans' interests in their day-to-day lives. Statistics:

Over 220,000 supporters in all 50 states, including troops, veterans, military families, and their supporters

State Captains organizing in all 50 states

Over 200 interviews, news stories, and on air media appearances

Over 5 million voter contacts since 2006 in various forms

Over $30 million raised and spent since inception

Issue Advocacy:The nature of war is changing, and the needs of veterans in the 21st century are different than in past eras. To that end, VoteVets.org has successfully fought for the following:

An end to wasteful spending, such as the out-of-date F-22, with a greater focus on practical equipment, such as body and vehicle armor.

A 21st Century G.I. Bill, to make college affordable for our returning service-members, allowing them to become part of the middle class.

A repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, allowing more Americans to serve in the Armed Forces, and stop the depletion of our military of essential specialists, such as translators.

Increased financial support for mental health care for our service members, as well as greater research and treatment of Traumatic Brain Disorders.

An end to the destructive "Stop Loss" policy, which involuntarily extended deployments, as well as increased time on the home front between deployments.